Tochigi SC on Monday announced the resignation of manager Yuji Sakakura following poor results over the first half of the season.

The club sit in 20th place having earned just 23 points after playing 24 rounds of the MEIJI YASUDA J2 League.

“I have decided to resign after failing to meet the expectations of our supporters and sponsors,” Sakakura said in a statement issued through the club.

“I would like to thank the team for helping me grow over my five years as first-team coach, one year as youth team manager, and 18 months as first-team manager.

“I sincerely hope that the team can unite under a new manager and aim for promotion to J1.”

The outfit suffered their 11th defeat of the campaign on Saturday when they lost 1-0 at Thespakusatsu Gunma.